Marlboro Parent Company Announces It Will Stop Making Cigarettes

Marlboro made an announcement that in years past might have surprised you. They will soon stop making cigarettes. The cigarette giant is owned by Philip Morris International who announced the move towards smokeless alternatives. The company says their new direction with e-cigarettes and heated tobacco products are safer.

Back in December, it was also reported that Philip Morris invested heavily in a Cannabis company. Altria which was founded by PMI bought a 45% stake for $1.8 billion in a Canadian company called Cronos Group. The deal is expected to place them at 55% ownership within 5 years so it's safe to say smokeless tobacco is not the companies only direction. Cronos Group told CNN they are planning on expanding their products to the international level following this acquisition.

These new changes are expected to start taking place as soon as this year.